Home Automation and Gadget Reviews

Synology DS212j

£160 (without HDD) Oct 2012

5 out of 5 stars

The days of lugging data around on USB sticks are over, this home hardware will keep your media safe and always available

  • Excito B3

    5 out of 5 stars

    £420Dec 2010

    All-in-one home network box sorts out your online life, saves the world

  • Samsung SR8830 Navibot

    4 out of 5 stars

    from £400Apr 2010

    Samsung’s robot will do the vacuuming while you’re watching telly. But can it outdo your trusty old Henry?

  • iRobot Roomba 580

    4 out of 5 stars

    £500Apr 2009

    Our favourite robot vacuum has returned with a bevy of extra cleaning tools. Is it time to replace Magda?

  • Magic Box Colombo Two

    4 out of 5 stars

    £30Nov 2008

    The Colombo Two is more Kubrick phone than kitchen phone. Is this piece of retro-futurism the first DECT icon?

  • Black + Blum Salad Plant Servers

    5 out of 5 stars

    £18Nov 2008

    Kitchen utensils aren’t renowned for their high design. But these salad servers have a neat trick up their sleeve...

  • Oregon Scientific BA900 Crystal Weather Station

    3 out of 5 stars

    £100Nov 2008

    Oregon Scientific has tried to inject a touch of class into the world of weather stations. But is it all style and no substance?

  • I Am Not A Paper Cup

    5 out of 5 stars

    £13Nov 2008

    It’s time to quit paper cups and commit to a re-usable beaker. This porcelain version of the design classic will do nicely…

  • Henry Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

    4 out of 5 stars

    £10Nov 2008

    A full-size Henry isn’t ideal for cleaning your desk. Enter mini Henry, enemy of sandwich crumbs everywhere

  • LG Steam Direct Drive

    5 out of 5 stars

    £800Sep 2008

    LG’s 9kg washing machine promises to blast your undies clean with steam and render ironing moot. Does it succeed?

  • Philips HD4686 Energy Saver

    5 out of 5 stars

    £50Sep 2008

    Most kettles only have two settings – boiling, and not boiling. But this Philips lets you heat to a specific temperature for the perfect cuppa

  • Stanley FatMax Organiser

    4 out of 5 stars

    £40Jun 2008

    Stanley’s got a brand new bag and its unique design lets you see every tool without emptying the whole lot onto the floor

  • Black & Decker Cordless Alligator GKC1000

    4 out of 5 stars

    £100Jun 2008

    Half garden shears, half chainsaw, Black & Decker’s hungry Alligator can help you take down a small tree without needing St John’s Ambulance on standby

  • DeWALT DC022 Fluorescent Worklight

    4 out of 5 stars

    £300May 2008

    DeWALT’s portable lamp is here to shed some light on your workspace, power your tools and charge your batteries all at the same time

  • Carry & Go Briefcase BBQ

    4 out of 5 stars

    £25May 2008

    Camping and outdoor eating go hand in hand, but barbecues are bulky, cumbersome things. Except this one...